the only thing we knew how to do – was to keep on keeping on

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It is starting to get a bit more crowded out here in the LTVA. A goodly number of folks (mostly U.S.A.ers) don’t head south until after the U.S. Thanksgiving which this year fell on November 23rd. This group includes our good friends Dirty Dog Dave and Jezebel Jeannine whom we expect to see in the next few days. BBB and LLL said their goodbyes to Mom and Dad and are now part timing (75%) in the LTVA just across the road from us. This handy location means EE and GG get to have almost regular playtimes together which for the most part involves rolling around in the dirt. Might be time to invest in a portable doggy shower for these two critters.

Given the copious amounts of dust and dirt around and EEs ability to absorb about twice her weight in grime in her coat she was thrilled to spend several hours at a local Puppy Spa and came out looking like a showgirl. Alas this look is not likely to last beyond a few play times with GG.

before

and after

GG and EE are now full time members of the Sunday morning “Round the Lake Hiking Club”. The 2 young canines have now made 3 trips with old guys/girls although EE has hitched a ride with CC for short stretches in order to complete the course on the same day. EE usually signals her need for a ride by laying down on the roadside and refusing to move. EE is not one for subtlety for sure.

Round the Lake Hike

and EE getting a ride

And as was bound to happen temperatures have dipped below 80 degrees and mid 70s are predicted for the next couple of weeks. The downside (there’s always a downside isn’t there??) is with falling temperatures stronger winds have also made an appearance, which is no big deal if you just have short stubby hair like CC but is a big deal if you are a very small dog like EE.

Thanksgiving Dinner at the Ramada (close to 100 attended)

what the hell is CC eating!!!

CC, BBB and LLL

and DD was there as well

LLL and CC were challenged by the girls to continue on with our Desert Dominoes challenge and the early results have the boys taking a huge 3 -2 game lead. We expect this lead to increase substantially once the girls become disheartened with the futility of trying to best us.

Dominoes under the Big Top at night

Weekly Hikes/Bikes and Runs

Great to be back in the saddle with CCs regular weekly (Tuesday morning) outback bike rides with Steverino and unless one of us brings a camera we will be unable to provide any visual verification of these outings. Suffice to say we have been out on 3 runs so far of over 10 miles and despite the rugged terrain the only injuries other than to our egos have been some minor scratches and bruises.

the BAD BOY Bikers after a ride

Steverino also leads our weekly group hikes. The first one of the season was a fairly casual walk over and around some small local ridges and perhaps it doesn’t rate a full mention given its brevity and also as only CC went there were no pictures to provide verification. As of right now DD and CC are alternating on the hikes in that EE isn’t ready to be left on her own for the 3 hours necessary to do the hike. She still YIPS a bit when left alone in her kennel and we are not quite ready to trust her with the run of the place on her own. Don’t be fooled by her innocent look folks this dog can be a terror!!

CC is making a gallant attempt to get back into shape after a lazy summer and is out early every Friday morning for the 7 mile lake run. Two runs in so far and still gasping for breath on some of the hills but will keep plodding away.

Split Canyons Hike (DD)

DD got her first hike in when the group headed out to the Split Canyons in Senators Wash. About a dozen hikers were led by Psychedelic Steverino on this nice little hike that follows two canyons that split off from the main wash. DD has not included a narrative for the hike but has provided some excellent photographs.

where are we hiking to Steve. Like far out man!!!

at the split

water swirls in the rock

the Lost Canuck spies something on the ground

its a lttle oggorfian (froggie). now why didn’t DD see that first

Gold Mines Hike

CCs turn this past week. The hike to the Gold Mines is a regular winter hike for the group and has been reported in the Blog for the past few years it is hard to find something new to say about it. Suffice to say that every year we take a slightly different route to the mines and regardless the hike is always an enjoyable way to spend the morning. One major difference this year is that not only was CC hiking but had been given the heavy responsibility of being the hike “blog-tographer “ It also gives our readers an opportunity to compare the quality of the pictures (above) taken by DD who comes in with years of experience with the ones below taken by CC who comes to the task with virtually nothing relative on his CV (resume dudes). If you feel you must vote please do so by secret ballot at CC#1.com.

DD claims the above moniker (click on ling above) as she is now going to Yoga 3 times per week at the gravel pit ramada. DD has also resumed her weekly Uke classes and is once again preparing for her yearly stage show at the Christmas Concert. DDs solo performance will not be disclosed in advance but stay tuned for the video in late December.

Although the October TO DO list was quite lengthy in preparation for our journey south CC managed to check everything off while DD lazed about at work earning money for replenishing her shoe collection. EE had her beautification day at the groomers followed up with visiting the vet to get spayed. She tolerated the operation quite well and despite not following doctors orders to rest for a week she made a speedy recovery.

We managed to run up some expensive repairs having Eagle 5 readied for the upcoming road trip. We were finally able to get the storage compartment leak repaired. The repair was tested almost right away with several days of heavy rain that fortunately stayed outside where it belonged. Additionally we had the brakes rewired so we were good to go or should I say we were good to stop!!

Our dinner group met once at Wendy and Jim’s new house for a pot luck dinner. Unfortunately Blog photographer DD missed another great opportunity to provide photo verification of this event. Thanksgiving dinner found us at Bouncy Bernice and Fearless Franks and their kids. Dinner was great even without “faux turkey” for DD and CC. And of course EE and playmate Sophie spent most of the visit racing around the house and yard until they could barely stand. They both slept well that night. We had one last visit with BB and FF before leaving town so the kids could have one last play.

the gang at BBs and FFs house for Thanksgiving

looks like CC and FF have never seen anyone cut a pie before

the kids at play

Pauline and Normie hosted a birthday party for CCs 65th and also had us over on another night for veggie burgers that they needed to get rid of before we left town. Just kidding Pauline!. I must say we were well fed by friends and neighbours who, I think, subconsciously believe vegetarians may not be able to fend for themselves.

So on October 27th after a very busy month we headed out with a final stop in Kelowna for a visit with our struggling author son Aaron. Despite a frugal lifestyle he is in good health and good spirits. As it turns out, a mistake by CC which led us to leave a week earlier than originally planned turned out to be fortuitous. A few days after our departure very cold weather and snow, yes snow, descended on the valley.

fall colours at our RV Park

this poor birdie died in his/her nest

packing up is hard on the head

heading south down the Okanagan Valley

Road Issues

Fleeing the inclement weather heading to the valley we had clear sailing, at least weather-wise the whole trip to Imperial Dam. Our first overnight stop at the Wild Horse Casino in Pendleton also seemed to bode well for the trip as both DD and CC won some money on the slots. Yes even CC managed to come out $20 to the good. What could possibly go wrong, you might well be thinking at this point and if that’s the case just keep on reading. Two days later just south of Ely, NV we heard a bang that sounded like something had fallen out of the truck box. Pulling over we found nothing missing but walking back to the 5th wheel, the broken and partially missing fender skirt clued us in to the fact that one of the trailer tires had blown. Incredibly this was the first time in almost 20 years of hauling trailers that we have had a blowout or a flat. Despite DDs certainty (read ISSUE) that the 5th wheel would tip over CC managed to put on the spare tire in less than ½ an hour. Looks like it’s time for new set of tires for the rig.

somewhere in Idaho

sunset at the Wild Horse casino

that doesn’t look good

hope CC finishes before the trailer falls over, right DD

Our next planned stop was for a 3 day visit at Valley of Fire State Part. We love being at this park and try to stop in whenever we travel through the area. The amazing red rocks and hills never fail to impress and the quiet darks nights guarantee one gets a peaceful sleep. EE has handled the trip well so far but seems to have enjoyed the opportunity to stretch her legs for few days. CC took the opportunity while here to test out his doggy clippers on EE. EE apparently didn’t take to well to the idea and zigged when she should have zagged and as a result an unintended chunk of hair on her head was gouged out. CCs feeble attempt to fix the blunder meant that EE was the not so proud owner of her very first very “bad hair day”. Well the old saying is that the way to deal with a bad haircut is to wait 2 weeks so we’ll wait and see.

Eagle 5 at Valley of Fire

moon rise

red rocks at the Seven Sisters

EE and DD at Rainbow Vista

alien birth pods??

hopefully new pictures never seen before on my blog

things started out okay, but then

EE zigged instead of zagging

Desert Doldrums?

We had given some consideration that this year we would set up in a new location as our Klingon friends Busty Barb the Believer and Lucky Lonesome Larry were relocating to the north end of the LTVA so they could better keep an eye on us, and GG (Gorgeous Gypsy) would be closer to her playmate EE. The decision was made easier as our usual site had been commandeered by our former neighbours and we have set up camp at a new site on Herman’s Horsepath. I think someone mistook a burro for a horse therefore the misnomer on the road name. The spot we are in is still very nice despite no longer having a view of the reservoir and isn’t very crowded yet as a lot of folks have yet to arrive.

our 2017/2018 site

came with a GUARD DOG

views from our site

the Phantom Phaeton and the Klingons across the road

beware the dust weevils

full moon arising

We have been here about a week now and have pretty much gotten everything set up with only a couple of ISSUES. The biggie being that one of the batteries was leaking and the others were discharged too far down to save, so on our second day here we had to make a trip to El Cento to pick up new batteries at Costco. Our solar system is now back up and running efficiently. The 2nd issue was encountered in trying to align our satellite dish. Fortunately our good friend RRR (Roland the Rockin Raconteur) was nearby and lent his expertise in helping me get the dish set up properly.

Other than these “minor” issues we are settling in like we sort of own the place. EE is enjoying the great outdoors although she seems to be a bit territorial and has claimed ownership of the surrounding area. DD is currently at Yoga and will be going to her Ukulele jam later. Morning hikes and runs are back on the agenda and life is good. That said what would a blog post be without at least one complaint?? I know the folks back home will not appreciate this but it is perhaps just a little bit too hot here. It has been in the high 80s and this trend is expected to continue for another 10 to 12 days. On the bright side it makes the tradition of afternoon siesta very attractive.

sunrise of the week

Our friends BBB and LLL have not moved out to the LTVA yet as LLLs mom and dad are currently visiting them at their new luxury abode in town. Several of our former neighbours have not yet, or are not returning this year so the happy hours are not as frequent or crowded as in the past.

My apologies if it seems (or actually is) that the quality of this post is now falling off but I read somewhere that office type of work (and this might be considered office type of work) is best performed of performed best when the temperature is around 62F and as it is now hovering at about 30 degrees over that optimum and I’m nodding off a bit I’ll have to sign off now. Another sign is long unintelligible sentences however It could be my imagination but a better explanation might be that there needs to be a certain level before one can fall off.

Well after 6 weeks on the road, 10,000 km, through 5 provinces, a dozen states and 2 countries the weary travelers rolled home on September 28th to the familiar confines of Eagle 5 and the now smoke free skies of Vernon. EE has now traveled more in her first 5 months of life than some folks do in a lifetime and has handled the upheaval in her life with aplomb.

EE is in that ball of fluff somewhere

One of the first orders of business upon arriving home was to schedule EE for a full body grooming which she is desperately in need of. EE is also scheduled to be spayed on October 10th so her topsy-turvy world will continue for a while yet. DD has also returned to work so it is very quiet this morning in Eagle 5.

While we all enjoyed the opportunity to visit family and friends, if we were going to do this again we would haul Eagle 5 along for the ride as this would lessen significantly the number of ISSUES experienced by you guessed it, DD!!!

This post covers a lot of territory and includes way too many photos but I hope our readers will be able to persevere because as usual we have tried to include a whole lot of useless but possibly entertaining stuff. NOTE: DD provided the Captain with over 375 photos for this post which left CC to cull out over 300 of them.

The Bath House

Our first stop after leaving the Oggorfain airspace was the Bath House, home of the Coach and Aud One. Last fall when we left the Bath House the Aud One was down but not out with severe back and hip pain. With the masterful administrations of the Coach, the Aud One, while not quite performing calisthenics, is ambulatory while managing pain on a day to day basis.

the Aud One with her therapy dog

the Aud One enjoys some rare sunshine

EE not quite ready to take on the stairs to the basement

Video of EE hunting in the Coach’s basement

the Aud One and DD at the beach

Finkles Beach Pavillion

the Coach, Aud One and CC at Finkles Beach walkway

a pleasant rest stop

EE testing the waters of Lake Ontario

EE keeping watch at the Bath House

No visit to the Bath House would be complete without the Coach enlisting CCs help in a landscaping project. This year’s project involved relaying pathway stones in the back yard. DD got into the act by relieving the Coach of some of his kitchen duties by brewing up a variety of homemade soups for readymade meals after we depart.

Video of EE helping out the Coach and the Captain

the walkway just about completed

lunch in the Bath House sun room

balk yard art

During our visit to the Bath House last fall (2016) we had hoped to go on the Kingston Penitentiary Tour but were unable to get tickets. This year we planned ahead (hard to believe) and purchased tickets way back in May 2017. DD didn’t make the tour as she graciously volunteered to keep the Aud One company while the Coach and CC made the trip. We had purchased 4 tickets and Brother Jimmie and friend Gus drove down to Kingston from Ottawa to take in the tour with us. The old prison (1830) while no longer fully maintained still retains some magnificent architecture. There are many stories about the prison (riots) and it’s inmates (Ty Conn, Red Ryan) I would have liked to include here but as usual I am far too lazy to give the full story so hopefully you will follow some of the included links and make up for my laxity. Well worth the visit if you are in the area.

the Coach checks in to the Big House

one of the cell ranges

a double decker

the Coach in his old cell

cell range after a riot

fire in the workshops buiding

inside the workshop buikding

one of the workshops with incredible arched brick ceiling

being called a “goof” was the ultimate slur

the exercise yard

one of the larger Residential Treatment facility “cells”

artwork done by residential treatment “patients”

there were bad boys in this place

in the laundry room – obviously Canadian eh!

the womens’ cell block

the Coach finally gets his release

and his boys are there to take him home

Our next adventure had us being driven to Ottawa by The Don and Sylvie (the grandparents) to pay a visit to the Children’s Hospital for our first visit with our great niece “preemie” Athena. This little darling (daughter of CC’s nephew Pedro the Provocateur and partner Kayla) was born three months early at just around 1.5 lbs and has spent her entire short life (now 6 months old and 11lbs) in the hospital. Things are looking up for little Athena as she has now been moved to a hospital in Kingston and hopefully will be allowed home in the near future. CC looks forward to the day the he and Athena will be able to swap “preemie” stories.

DD gets to hold Athena

Grandma Sylvie

OMG I hope that ain’t the doctor!!!!

nope its Grandpa (The) Don

Pedro almost looks normal in this picture

but this is his real normal along with the Don and mom Kayla

please keep it down, I need my rest

Our final and arguably the BIGGEST event at the Bath House was the celebration of CCs 65th Birthday. Officially now a “senior” CC ate like it might be his last meal as the family chowed down at the Mandarin Buffet in Kingston. And as a point of clarification even though CC and DD are both 65 CC is still much younger than DD. (Editor’s note: REALLY!)

Jimmie, DD(keeping the peace), Sylvie and the Don with CC, the Aud One and Coach in front

Video of Captain Canada at the Mandarin

Back to MOE E

Our return drive to Vernon saw us take a bit of a detour as we headed down to Cameron Missouri to visit our good friends Dashing Dave and Jezebel Jeannine. The above title of MOE E references DDs navigational error the first time we came to Cameron. DD misread the GPS reference to the street named Missouri EE which was shortened on the GPS to the state abbreviation of MO and street EE. DD had phoned Dave to get directions and her reference to MOE E left him confused as there was no street around with this name. It was only later with some convoluted reasoning that we were able to figure out DD’s miscue and we don’t ever let her forget.

CC ready to mow the concrete pad for DDD

EE and new friend Mars

We only had a few days in Cameron and as Dave was hobbled with a wonky knee, he was unable to perform his usual function of Chauffer and tour guide. Jeannine did adequately fill in as she took us to nearby St Joseph to tour the now decommissioned “Glore Insane Asylum”. Her quip that it would make CC feel right at home just might have held a kernel of truth. (Ed note: Jeannine did a fabulous job!)

CC knows some people with these ISSUES

contents of her stomach

meet the morticians

a new comedy coming to CBC

patient listening to AC/DC????

this is the wheel of misfortune

wanna take a bath

this is not an outhouse but an isolation device

We did manage to haul Dave out to dinner with a group of other locals that we know from Imperial Dam. Sad to say that the “Mayor of Music Row” at Imperial Dam, Jim Tague and his diminutive but feisty wife Virginia will not be making the trip south this winter. It is quite astounding as this will be the first winter they will be spending in the northern home in 36 years. In honour of Virginia we are renaming Dashing Dave as Dirty Dog Dave as this is the name she has given him because of his style of playing Dominos. Sadly we did not have time to visit the Amish store in nearby Jamestown to replenish our supply of ginger snaps but with any luck DDD and JJ will bring us a supply when they come down in November.

the Mayors new winter digs

the Yuma/Missouri Gang

Colorado Springs

Gorgeous Gypsy and Eccentric Ellie finally meet nose to nose and a few sniffs in other places. Our next stop along the highway was further southwest in Colorado Springs which LLL and BBB called home for 33 years before becoming residents of South Dakota (nudge nudge, wink wink). Despite the cool rainy weather the Haneys did their best to show us some of the sights in their old neighbourhood. We visited the Garden of the Gods right in Colorado Springs and a 6 – 8 hour day trip turned into a 12 plus hour marathon as LLL’s shortcut home turned out not to be, but hey it was a nice day for a drive so what the heck. Unfortunately due to low hanging cloud we just didn’t get to see as much as we might have, however, we did enjoy a nice walk around the old ghost town of St. Elmo high up in the mountains.

The Day Trip

DD AND BBB walking the puppies

a forest of aspens

GG sniffs out a wall-aby??

this ones for Uncle Normie

at St Elmo

DDs art deco of the month

EE checks out a stump

GG puppy see, puppy do

bag of chips suffering from altitude sickness – symptom bloating

Garden of the Gods

sss

sss

very similar to Valley of Fire

strange rock formations

At first it looked like EE and GG might not quite hit it off. This was mostly EEs fault I suspect as she kept stealing GGs favourite toys and then snarling a bit when GG nicely asked for them back. After both puppies had a time out and a chat with their respective masters the 2 girls settled down and enjoyed sharing the toys and each other’s food as well as eating out of the same bowl at the same time. Hopefully they both remember their manners when they meet again in the desert in early November.

SPECIAL BULLETIN: I have attached below photographic evidence of the result of the domino game between the boys (LLL and CC) and the girls (DD and BBB). To call this result a spanking would be a massive understatement. (Ed note: We had to let them win due to their past many losses – Fake News)

spanked

Home is Where the Work Is

Now that we are at home, it is time to prepare to pack up and go again in another month. Much to do in the coming weeks including EE grooming and spaying, trees to prune, fences to paint, carpets to clean, Eagle 5 storage door to fix etc. etc. The list goes on and on but when it’s done we’ll be back on the road again to Imperial Dam.